Artist: Faces Album: Long Player

Year: 1971
Duration: 0:0-1

A Critical Review of the Album Long Player by Faces

Faces, formed in 1969 in London, is a rock band known for their blues-infused sound and captivating live performances. In 1971, they released their second studio album, Long Player, which put the spotlight on Rod Stewart as the lead vocalist. This album is widely regarded as their breakthrough album and one of the classic rock albums of the 1970s. In this blog post, we will take a critical look at the album, its genre, the best songs, the most innovative parts, and offer our overall critique.

The album Long Player is a perfect representation of Faces' amalgamation of blues, rock, and folk elements. The opening track Bad 'n' Ruin sets the tone for the album with its catchy guitar riff and Stewart's raw vocals. From there, the album has its highs and lows, with some songs feeling like filler tracks, while others stand out as true gems. One of the stand-out tracks on the album is Maybe I'm Amazed, which is a cover of Paul McCartney's song written for his wife, Linda. The band's rendition of the song elevates it to new heights, with Stewart's emotive vocals and the electrifying instrumental solos.

The genre of the album can be described as blues-rock, with some folk influences. The album's sound is characterized by heavy guitar riffs, soulful vocals, and a strong rhythm section. The band's choice of instrumentation, including mandolins and a harmonica, also lends itself to the folkier influences. However, what sets Faces apart is their ability to incorporate these elements in a way that sounds fresh and unique.

The most innovative part of Long Player is the band's ability to showcase their musical prowess. The instrumental breaks in Had Me a Real Good Time and Richmond demonstrate the band's improvisational abilities and their ability to play off each other. In On the Beach, the band experiments with a slower, more atmospheric sound, demonstrating their willingness to step out of their comfort zone.

As for our critique of the album, while Long Player has some undeniable high points, it lacks consistency, with some tracks feeling lackluster and uninspired. The album feels like a collection of songs rather than a cohesive project with a clear message. Additionally, the mixing of the album feels cluttered, with some songs sounding muddy. However, it's still worth a listen, especially if you're a fan of classic rock and blues-influenced music.

In conclusion, the album Long Player by Faces is a classic rock album that showcases the band's musical prowess and unique sound. While the album has its high points, it lacks consistency, and some songs feel lackluster. Nonetheless, it is still worth a listen, especially if you're a fan of blues-rock and classic rock. All in all, Long Player is a testament to Faces' ability to incorporate various musical genres into a cohesive sound, paving the way for many artists to come.